Thread by @mareevs

Headed to St. Pete City Hall ahead of a 2 p.m. march. I’m told @StPetePD officers, including the chief and other command staff, will join protestors to walk for unity and against racism. Follow me, @TroMcManus and @TB_Times for updates

There’s nothing at all happening at City Hall. It’s early, but wondering if rain is a factor. Here’s our live blog so you can follow along with protests across Tampa Bay tampabay.com/news/tampa/202… @TB_Times

Alright, more people out here now. Maybe 30 protesters and about 10 police officers, including Chief Holloway and Assistant Chief Antonio Gilliam @TB_Times

Gilliam tells me police are yielding completely to protesters, specifically Terron Gland, a leader of protests in the city. We’re waiting for him to arrive, then I’m hearing the group will walk from City Hall to the police department, where officers will split off @TB_Times

All the officers here volunteered to come, Gilliam said. They are all different ranks - chiefs, sergeants, etc. More volunteered (about 30) but the department didn’t want to “inundate the march with police,” he said. @TB_Times

The idea for police to walk with protesters was born from a conversation outside the police station yesterday, Gilliam said. He talked to Josh White, a 29yo musician and filmmaker, for more than an hour in the rain @TB_Times

A group leader is speaking now after a couple chants of “no justice, no peace” ... she says this has to be about more than chanting “f*ck the police.” It’s about questioning the “idealogoes of the city of St. Pete.” @TB_Times

She says that she’s tired and has blisters on her feet but had to show up to talk to people today. She said protesters need to keep taking up space @TB_Times

Terron Gland, protest leader, is speaking now. “I feel bombarded.” He said he’s never seen this many people or this much media ... “the pressure’s on. ... I don’t feel like it’s genuine.” @TB_Times

He says they aren’t against the city, the mayor or police. ... The woman speaks again ... “why are the police marching with us? For what?” ... “I understand PR, I get it.” @TB_Times

Terron says he wants to hear attendees’ opinions about whether police should march with them. “If y’all are down, I’m down. But I feel bombarded.” @TB_Times

Terron is asking people to give a Officer Gainer (sp?) a round of applause for a speech he gave this morning @TB_Times

Terron says the group should talk here together before marching ... “we’re not solid yet. We need to build that solidarity” ... “we’ve been asking questions for the longest ... since you guys want to be here with the media, answer those questions with the media” @TB_Times

Another protest leader is speaking. He says they have stopped going to the police department because police have declared unlawful assembly late at night despite telling protesters they are welcome @TB_Times

Pastor Murphy says it’s important the church is involved in the “journey ahead. There’s going to be some difficult times ... we have God on our side and we can move together like that” @TB_Times

“I’m part of it. I’m a black man, I have black sons.” ... he says “this is not going to go away. This is not supposed to go away. This is our time now.” ... says these conversations can’t be PR stunts @TB_Times

Chief Holloway is speaking now ... “the only way we’re going to learn about you and you’re going to learn about us is by conversation” .... he says this is the “first step not the last step” @TB_Times

Brianna Murphy, a protest leader, is speaking now, saying people should let her know if they need anything. She’s updating a Facebook page to organize people. “We are all in this together ... be proud of yourselves for being part of this” @TB_Times

Josh White is talking now about how he met with cops earlier this week ... he said he “felt a really strong gravity to bridge the gap.” There was a peaceful exchange and the idea of them marching today came about, he said. @TB_Times

Josh White is supportive of the officers walking today. Terron is speaking again now and says he is okay with that too. “It is a first step of change ... of solidarity” ... but police are going to walk in the back @TB_Times

Assistant Chief Antonio Gilliam is asking media to “depart.” ... “please depart for right now ... this is going to be us with dialogue. Is that cool?” ... people cheer @TB_Times

“To the media: No more photos” @TB_Times ... a city police chief is asking reporters to leave ...

“Press is a constitutional right. Stay wherever the fuck your want,” a protestor speaks up to say @TB_Times

“This is our city. We pay for you” ... “This is America. We’ve got a constitutional right” @TB_Times

This guy says he’s a high school teacher ... kids come at him, throwing books and desks sometimes, “but I’ve never laid my hands on them” @TB_Times

“We’re black, brown, White. This makes up St. Pete.” ... he tells press to stay and “keep the truth flowing.” @TB_Times

Another guy is telling police to take off their badges and walk with them as civilians ... “take off your badges and guns bc I don’t feel safe with a cop walking behind me” @TB_Times

“I will not march with you” ... “NO BADGES, NO MEDIA,” he yells. Terron says this man has every right to feel how he feels. “He feels triggered” @TB_Times

Terron says only high-ranking officers are here. Most are black. “Where are those officers that have that bad hate in their heart that are out here doing police brutality? We want those nasty officers.” @TB_Times

A man in the crowd says this is a good first step. He says other officers will be moved by seeing their bosses out here marching @TB_Times

Terron says they’re going to do the march with officers. “Everyone has a right to feel how they feel. ... if you don’t want to walk with the officers, we have our evening walk” @TB_Times

Assistant Chief Gilliam says cops are leaving ... “There aren’t going to be any press any of that ... we love y’all. We’re going to leave” @TB_Times

Unclear what is happening ... trying to find out if cops are actually leaving ... people are asking when the evening walk is. Terron says if cops leave, protesters are going to start walking soon on their own @TB_Times

This white woman says she will stand with and up for black people in the community. She says all white people should see that as their responsibility @TB_Times

I just ran after police as they were leaving to ask why ... Assistant Chief Gilliam says he made the call. He said protest leadership is divided on wanting/not wanting them here. “They thought this was a media spectacle,” he said. @TB_Times

Chief Holloway: “They felt we were using this as a media opportunity. What we’re trying to create is unity.” Says that isn’t possible w press here

I brought up the press’s 1st amendment right and Holloway said, “you have every right to be here” ... very mixed messages @TB_Times

Holloway said they had to leave to “prove we aren’t here for a photo opportunity.”

I asked if the press will be welcome for later conversations with protesters. He said he will “set up a time w protesters when they know the media will be present” ... sounds like a photo opp

“They want to make sure we’re genuine,” Gilliam adds. “We didn’t come here to bring cameras with us,” Holloway says before talking about the importance of the press “spreading the message” @TB_Times

We’re on the move, south down 5th St @TB_Times

Walking west on First Ave. N ... “black lives matter” protesters chant @TB_Times

“Don’t arrest me, arrest the police,” protesters chant as we approach 8th St. N @TB_Times

There’s got to be at least 100 people here. Terron is leading chants through a megaphone, telling people to “make some noise.”

“MARCH WITH US!” the crowd chants. @TB_Times

“NO TRUMP, NO KKK, NO RACIST USA” @TB_Times

There are definitely lots of ponchos and umbrellas. But there are also many people who don’t seem to care about the rain at all @TB_Times

We’re almost to the police department. “Police the police,” protesters chant. “No justice, no peace.” @TB_Times

We’re passing the police department right now and you can see officers standing in riot gear in the lobby through the windows @TB_Times

We circled the old police headquarters and are now headed east on Cenral Ave. Wondering if weMre going back to the new department building. People seem upset by the riot gear @TB_Times

Group is blocking traffic and a city bus to get down Central. “Black lives matter,” they chant @TB_Times

Still headed east on Central Ave. Rain has let up a bit. #NoJusticeNoPeace chant continues @TB_Times

Seeing lots of people with signs offering free water, ponchos and snacks @TB_Times

Two women look on from inside Icon Central Luxury Apartments at Central Ave and 8th St @TB_Times

“Fill the whole road!” one protester yells. “Our streets,” everyone yells @TB_Times

Steph is handing out food, water and first aid supplies from the trunk of this car. People who need rest can grab a ride too, he said. “Anything people need, we’re here.” @TB_Times

We’re stopped, protesters kneeling, at Central Avenue and 5th St. Crowd is really loud, shuffling through different chants. “No Trump, no KKK, no racist USA”. @TB_Times

Quite a scene here at the rainbow intersection @TB_Times

Terron is leading a chant in the middle, the joined by a few others who started dancing. Now he’s saying, “look around, look at each other and how fucking beautiful you all are.” @TB_Times

St. Pete, we’re making change y’all. ... “we’re making a difference. We’re making a change ... and it’s gonna get bigger and bigger and bigger.”

He says all kinds of people with different ages, races, abilities are here in solidarity @TB_Times

“Always encourage one another. ... love conquers all.” @TB_Times

“Care about your neighbor. Check on your neighbor .. if you’re walking down the street, ask the person looking down how they’re doing” @TB_Times

Steph, who was passing out supplies, is speaking now ... “we need this movement to be sustainable, so take care of each other and take care of yourself” ... “when you rest, we will pick it up. There are enough of us. If we burnt out now, the fire dies” @TB_Times

There’s a woman speaking now. She’s telling people to educate themselves and share information online about police brutality and racial injustice. “I know it’s really, really hard when people come at you ... try to remain calm ... everybody deserves a chance to learn” @TB_Times

There’s a guy talking now who says he owns a local law firm. He says he wants to represent people for free if they get arrested or hurt during protests. He says others are going to help too @TB_Times

He said “the cops are not out here because we’re coming together ... we’re not breaking” @TB_Times

“Do not let the trolls take your joy,” he says. Burgstein Law is his firm. “This is not a publicity stunt. ... I want to get people out of jail ... it is a game in the courthouse ... and people get treated differently when they have resources” @TB_Times

Says if officers come to break up a protests, people should ask “am I being detained” ... if the answer is no, “walk away,” he says. If the answer is yes, prepare to be arrested and videotape it, he said @TB_Times

“Remember: Am I being detained? If the answer is no, walk away” @TB_Times

James McLynas, who lost a run for Pinellas sheriff in 2016, just spoke in the middle of the intersection. He was very much campaigning:

“The day I am elected, I am ending all cannibas enforcement in Pinellas county” @TB_Times

“As soon as I’m sheriff, we’re going to take all the tanks and military equipment and sell it on eBay” ... people yelled out “how?”

He said it’s simple, and that being sheriff means you’re in charge of decisions like that @TB_Times

We’re on the move again, east on Central Ave. hearing we are going to Beach Drive then wrapping back to City Hall. Estimating ~200 people. “No justice, no peace” @TB_Times

Terron’s energy is honestly amazing given he’s been doing this for days. Another note is people are stopping to pick up trash out of the street @TB_Times

People are coming out of businesses on Central to take photos of protesters. Some are cheering them on or chanting with them @TB_Times

More support from people on the street. Some definitely looked away or tried not to engage with the group chanting though @TB_Times TB_Times

Chris Watts, 74, said he is inspired by the protesters. “I think we’ve got to change things,” he said holding a sloshing cup of beer. “We’ve got to get ready for change. We gotta make it happen.”

We are passing Williams Park on 2nd Ave. N, headed for City Hall. Told the group is going to take a break after th at and then reconvene later this evening. Will update @TB_Times

Protesters are telling other protesters to clear the road. Unclear why. Approaching City Hall @TB_Times

Terror is speaking to everyone outside City Hall. He’s telling everyone to go home and eat and rest. The group will reconvene here at 7 pm for a night walk @TB_Times

“I love you all. See you at 7,” he says after giving everyone here his personal phone number @TB_Times

I’ll be here at 7, so keep following me, @TroMcManus and @DirkShadd. @kathrynvarn and @cljohnst will be here with us too @TB_Times

Starting a little late, but we’re marching again. Leader Terron says the walk will be short and stay close to City Hall because of the rainy weather. @TB_Times

It’s obviously pretty wet out here @TB_Times

We’re headed east on Central Avenue. Group is chanting #GeorgeFloyd’s name @TB_Times

Worth noting that the cops have been largely absent from protests today. Usually cop cars follow marchers but not now. Security/traffic is being done by the protesters themselves @TB_Times

We just crossed over University Way and are almost to the waterfront. Farther from City Hall than I though we were going. The group has lots of energy. “IF WE DONT GET NO JUSTICE, WE DONT GET NO PEACE” @TB_Times

We’re turning north on Beach Drive. Still chanting “no justice, no peace” @TB_Times

These people on bikes and skateboards in yellow vests are serving as safety marshals for the protesters @TB_Times

“Silence is compliance” and “march with us” seem to be go-to chants on Beach Drive @TB_Times

We turned west on 5th Ave NE. Guessing weMre headed back to City Hall. “Who lives matter? Black lives matter.” @TB_Times

Crowd is significantly smaller than earlier today. Maybe 60 people. But they’re loud. @TB_Times

“Are we great yet?” one protester’s sign reads. Hadn’t seen that one yet. @TB_Times

Back at City Hall, but we’re turning north on 5th St. N @TB_Times

In case you were curious, it’s very wet out here @TB_Times

Group is now chanting “fuck @realDonaldTrump”

Turning onto Mireor Lake Drive now. Feels like the group’s pace is slowing down @TB_Times

“Rain, sleet or snow, these racist cops have got to go” ... don’t see snow happening but you get the point @TB_Times

Passing cars are leaning on their horns to cheer on the protesters. Seems to give them a jolt of energy each time @TB_Times

“HANDS UP, DONT SHOOT”

“Hey, hey. Ho, ho. These racist cops have got to go”

“Whose streets? Our streets”

“Say his name. #GeorgeFloyd. Say her name. #BriannaTaylor” @TB_Times

We’re cutting through a parking lot to First Ave N and turning west toward the police department. I wonder if that’s where we’re going ... @TB_Times

Approaching 8th St. N. “Whose streets? Our streets!” @TB_Times

We are just blocks from the police headquarters ... will be interesting to see what happens here @TB_Times

Turning south onto MLK St, away from the police department @TB_Times

Looks like my phone camera is shot from the rain, so no more photos or videos. Sorry. I see rice in my future @TB_Times

We’re on Central now, headed east. Interesting note: The safety officers on bikes are asking protesters to stay to one side of the road. Other times, marchers have been encouraged to take up the entire street @TB_Times

We’re gathered back at Central Avenue and 5th St, the rainbow crosswalk. Everyone is in a circle chanting various things @TB_Times

There are cars stopped at three of the four intersections as the group blocks it @TB_Times

There are at least 12 cars backed up in one direction on Central Ave. There’s a trolley backed up on 5th. “Silence is compliance,” the group chants @TB_Times

“No justice, no peace. No racist police.” @TB_Times

Terron is telling everyone to head toward City Hall. I think we might be wrapping up @TB_Times

We’re back in front of City Hall. They ended the march by chanting #GeorgeFloyd’s name. “Another successful protest,” Terron says. No one got arrested and it was peaceful. “We’re doing it the right way, guys” @TB_Times

He’s telling older protesters to let younger ones “lead the way. ... They are the future.” He says protesters will keep marching every day “until we get justice.” @TB_Times

He says this place, a grassy space behind the courthouse and across from City Hall is their “camp” going forward. @TB_Times

“Everybody get home safe. I love y’all.” Tells everyone to meet here at 2pm and 7pm tomorrow. That’s a wrap @TB_Times